Another Epic 4G Gingerbread build leaks -- EF02

Another Gingerbread build has leaked out. This time around the Samsung Epic 4G gets updated to EF02, and the reports thus far have been looking good. The verdict on whether or not this build can be rooted or not is still out so keep that in mind before you dive in, you may wish to hold out until some more feedback is gathered.

You will also need to fire up Odin in order to load so, like always exercise caution and follow the instructions. You can hit the source link for the full details and make sure you leave some comments here and in the forums on how things are working should you decide to load this one up.

Best Android Phones June 2011

Android Central's Top 10 Android Phones Report ranks the popularity of the best Android Phones over the past 30 days as determined by our proprietary algorithm which compiles data from across the AC community and beyond (Lloyd invented the system and gave it his blessing).

So check out the list below to learn more about what's popular in the Android Universe!

Gingerbread for the Droid 2 Global not quite ready, Motorola says

Although Verizon is good to go on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for the Droid 2 Global, Motorola isn't. They now have stepped in to say that the update is certainly not rolling out at this point despite what Verizon has to say on the matter. We're not exactly sure where the break in communication came from but one thing is for certain -- it puts Droid 2 Global owners to the back of the line in the Gingerbread waiting process and that's just simply not cool at all.

LG Thrill 4G 3D app development session and SDK from AT&T

AT&T is sponsoring a LG Thrill 4G 3D application development session featuring Henry Nho, 3D Tech lead at LG Electronics. The hour long webcast will be 10AM to 11AM Pacific Time on June 23, and it's free to those who pre-register. The session itinerary is as follows:

Introduction to the LG Thrill 4G device

The basics of developing Real 3D applications for the LG Thrill 4G

How to get your Real 3D app or game to market

If you're interested in creating any type of stereoscopic 3D Android applications (music player with 3D visualizations, please) you won't want to miss this one. Have a look at the source link to get all the pertinent info.

In addition, and this would probably make for good preparation for the above mentioned webcast, the LG Real3D SDK is also available for download. The SDK will give you access to the Real3D API, provide a few demos, and a emulator that you can test on your computer using red/cyan 3D glasses. Be sure to install this and play around with it if you're interested in attending the webcast, or just want to check it out.

Acer Iconia A500 Tab gets ClockworkMod port and first custom ROM

When it comes to software and hardware, I've always been under the firm belief that if it can be built -- it can also be torn down and that's exactly what has happened to the Acer Iconia A500 tablet.

Out of the box, the bootloader for the Acer Iconia was pretty secure. But thanks to individuals much smarter then myself we now have a ported ClockworkMod, recovery images and even the first custom ROM based off the ASUS EeePad Transformer.

In other words, the Acer Iconia Tab A500 is now wide open to all customization options so if you're the proud owner of one (we know there is a lot of you out there) you'll want to hit up the source links below if you're looking to unleash the full potential of your tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab available nationwide today

Good morning Android Central readers! Today, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is available. The Tab had a special launch event in NYC last week, but it's finally available online and at Best Buy and other retailers nationwide. If you're picking up Tab today, be sure to post in the forums and let us know what you think of it.

Bell and HTC sites confirm Canadian release of the HTC Sensation

If the previously leaked info about the HTC Sensation coming to Canada wasn't enough of confirmation for you then this information should do the trick. Bell and HTC have both updated their websites with information about the Sensation 4G as it will be called in Canada.

The HTC page is just for information purposes and directs you to the Bell website where you can sign up for a chance to win one of ten HTC Sensations. Still no launch date or pricing details available but the ten winners being chosen on July 12, may be a small hint as to when we may see it arrive in store.

Gingerbread 2.3.3 leaked for the Samsung Galaxy S 4G

A very nice phone that doesn't get near enough spotlight, the Samsung Galaxy S 4G (check out our hands-on) has a new Gingerbread leak floating around. The 2.3.3 build has been rooted, and it looks like the battery life got even better -- one user reports about 50 percent better battery life after updating, rooting, and removing pre-installed applications. If you're inclined, you can find all the instruction and download links at the source link.

Remember, there's always a risk involved if you jump into this sort of thing. For many, the rewards outweigh that risk. Be sure you're informed and pay attention to the instructions.

SaskTel says Samsung Galaxy S II will arrive next month in Canada

We made note last week that Samsung Canada was ramping up for a release of the Samsung Galaxy S II having posted it up on their coming soon pages. At the time, it was speculated that Bell would be one of the first carriers to have the device available and the news today fits in with that quite nicely. Regional carrier, SaskTel which offers service in Saskatchewan and has tower sharing agreements with Bell has posted the following to their Twitter account:

We will be launching the Samsung Galaxy S II device in the next month that has the dual core. ^KK

We're hoping it's not another case of miscommunication and that they will indeed have it next month but to play on the safe side of things -- we'll wait for the full press release before we get overly excited. In the meantime, if you're looking to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S II go ahead and check out our previous hands-on.

Motorola Milestone 3 released in China

Well, I guess we now know why the Milestone 3 got such a thorough review previously. Motorola Mobility and China Telecom have teamed up to launch the device in China. Still no word on the inevitable Droid 3 launch for U.S. But if we had to take a wild guess, we'd say it'll be there for Verizon's back-to-school promotions. (That and the Droid 2 isn't even a year old yet.) You can find the full press release after the break.

Google movie rental rolling out for the wifi Motorola Xoom

We'd been hearing some reports of Motorola Xoom wifi only tablet owners seeing the Google Videos app in the Android Market, but now we're also hearing that the actual market tab for movie rentals has been enabled after an Android Market update. We're not sure just why the service wasn't made available for the wifi only model along with the 3.1 update, but we have to assume it was licensing and DRM issues at play once again.

Anyhoo, it seems like that's all sorted out and if you haven't already got the app and the Market update, you should soon. We can't rush the latter, but we can give an easy download link for the app -- find it after the break.

Update issues, Galaxy Tab 10.1 pre-orders going out [From the forums]

We're settling in for another sexy edition of the Android Central Podcast where we'll be talking all sorts of Android news. If you're not up-to-date, now would be a great time to click back a few pages and catch up on some articles you may have missed. Otherwise, jump on into the Android Central forums until we get this party started!

LG officially launches Optimus 3D

We've known it was coming for a while, we've even had some hands-on with one of our own (yes, I owe you guys a great review), and today LG launched the Optimus 3D, the world's first "Tri-Dual" architecture smartphone. Tri-Dual can be translated into dual core CPU, dual channel RAM, and a dual-channel board configuration. Take that and translate it into English and it means that data can be transferred internally faster, and more of it at once. Without spoiling my promised review, I'll tell you it's fast. It's the future of smartphones, and I can't wait to see it go mainstream and get even better. Add in other niceties like DLNA, HDMI out, and a 4.3 inch display and there's a lot to like here.

One more thing -- 3D. By a scant seven days LG beat HTC to the punch to release the first 3D Android phone. It's stereoscopic (no glasses) and pictures and video can be captured in 3D as well. Like the EVO 3D, you don't have to use it so all is good. It's coming to Europe first, and should be available in 60 or so more markets in a few weeks. We'll see it in the states as the LG Thrill 4G on AT&T. You can read the full press release after the break.

Radio Shack throwing an EVO 3D launch party in Los Angeles

Mark it, Dude. Radio Shack and HTC are throwing a little party next Thursday night in Los Angeles for the launch of the HTC EVO 3D. And of course we're be there. (It ain't a party without us, right?) Android Central, Kato and some sweet smartphone action. Gotta love it.

Update: If you're looking for something more public (the invite above is for a private event), hit up the pop-up store at 8747 Beverly Blvd. in West Hollywood in on Friday.

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